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Germany have been dealt a massive blow with the news that skipper Michael Ballack will miss the World Cup finals this summer through injury.
The Chelsea FC midfielder was forced out of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Portsmouth FC at Wembley with an ankle injury following a challenge from Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Ballack flew to Munich for a scan on Monday morning and the German Football Federation have revealed that following the results he will take no part in South Africa.
The 33-year-old has played in every major tournament since 2000 and has enjoyed a successful season with Chelsea this term, clinching a Premier League and FA Cup double.
German manager Joachim Low will have to find a new captain and quite possibly alter the shape of his team as his side prepare for their Group D matches against Australia, Ghana and Serbia.